Easter Candy, Flowers and Dr. Seuss Day…Could March Get Any Better?

Spring is only a few weeks away, which means Chicagoland is teeming with hundreds of events and activities for the whole family! We’ve picked some of the best ones for everyone from adults to kids to family pets. Happy March!

CITY

The Chicago Flower & Garden Show will be in full bloom March 12-20 at the Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. The event, which dates all the way back to 1847, features an extensive marketplace and more than 20 life-sized gardens, as well as daily seminars and DIY workshops. Tickets are $10 to $17 for adults, $5 for children.

The highly anticipated Chicago Beer Festival is March 26 at 7 p.m. at the Field Museum, 1400 South Lake Shore Drive. More than 70 local and domestic breweries will offer samples of their spring beers. The event will also feature food, music and admission to a few select exhibits throughout the museum. Tickets are $45 ($55 for VIP).

The Lincoln Park Zoo will host an Easter Egg-StravaganzaMarch 26 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kids and families are invited to enjoy an Easter breakfast buffet, followed by several egg hunts, a visit from the Easter Bunny, music, arts and more. Tickets are $19 to $39.

NORTHSHORE

The Chicago Botanic Garden will showcase more than 10,000 varieties at its Orchid Show. Special orchid selections will also be on sale at the Garden shop. The show takes place now through March 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the garden on 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe.

The Winnetka Community House will host a Wine and Beer Tasting March 4 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at 620 Lincoln Avenue, Winnetka. Wine aficionados will sample more than 80 rare and special varieties, while beer connoisseurs will discover premium microbrews. An array of hors d’oeuvres and sweets will also be available to all participants. Tickets are $75 to $85.

Khol’s Children’s Museum invites kids and families to an Egg Hunton March 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition to the colorful eggs and candy, there will also be several special prizes like gift cards and even a one-year membership to the museum! Tickets are $11 online or at the museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview.

NORTHWEST SUBURBS

Pet people of Chicagoland unite! The amazingly fun Pet Expo is March 18-20 at the Arlington International Racecourse, 2200 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. There will be vendors, talent shows, cat shows and even Weiner dog races! Tickets are $10.

Things are going to get hot at end of the month thanks to the Chicago Salsa and Bachata Festival March 25-28 at the Hilton Rosemont, 5550 N. River Road, Rosemont. Celebrate Latin culture by participating in classes for beginners to advanced dancers. The event will also feature showcases by world-class dancers. Tickets for all three days range from $95 to $275.

Harper Ensemble Theatre presents Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” will be held March 11-20 at 8 p.m. and 2 p.m. at Harper College’s Performing Arts Center, 1200 West Algonquin Rd., Palatine. This timeless play is widely regarded as the Shakespeare’s last masterpiece. Tickets are $15, $12 for students and seniors.

Want to spruce up this Easter with a culinary masterpiece? Get some ideas from the Lynfred Winery’s “Easter Inspiration Cooking Class.” Each class is taught by the winery’s professional chefs who will demo cooking technique, while the sommelier pairs each dish with the perfect wine. Tickets are $54; reservations are required. The winery is located at 15 S. Roselle Rd., Roselle.

WEST SUBURBS

If you close your eyes, it may seem like you’re taking a stroll in the City of Lights herself! Every Saturday this month, the Lisle French Market will serve up charming French-inspired crafts, artisan goods, food, baked goods and more. It starts at 8 a.m. at the Prairie Walk Pond on Burlington Ave. and Garfield Ave. in Lisle.

Elmhurst‘s Wilder Park will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt March 26 at 10 a.m. The Easter Bunny will also make an appearance, followed by the Doggie Eggstravanganza. The park is located at 175 S. Prospect Ave.

SOUTH SUBURBS

March 2 is Dr. Seuss Day! To celebrate, the Richton Public Library will host a free series of special Seuss readings at 6 p.m. The library is located at 22310 Latonia Lane, Richton Park.

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra will give a performance of George Gershwin music March 5 at 8 p.m. at the Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center, 19900 S. Harlem Avenue, Frankfort. Maestro Carmon DeLeone will conduct. Tickets are $35-$55.

Frankfort will hold Easter events March 19 for everyone in the family — even the ones on four legs! First up is an egg hunt for kids 1-8 years old at 1 p.m. Peter Cottontail will join the excitement and every child is guaranteed a bag of candy. Immediately following at 2:30 p.m. is a hunt for the dogs! Pet owners will race around the Bark Park to find treat-filled eggs for their four-legged friends. An adult must accompany dog-owners under the age of 12, and all dogs must be on a leash. Both events are free. Commissioner Park is located at 21972 S. 80th Ave.